In this article you will find the 5 fully funded scholarships in Ireland in 2026: what they cover, who can apply, what requirements they ask for, and when you have to move.
Why is Ireland a good option for studying on a scholarship if you’re Latin American?
Ireland has a distinct advantage over other European destinations: several of its most prestigious scholarships are specifically designed for students from outside the EU, giving Latin Americans a competitive edge over European applicants. Furthermore, Irish institutions value not only academic achievement but also leadership, extracurricular activities, and clear motivations.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Language | English—an internationally recognized qualification |
| Cost vs. UK | More affordable tuition fees than the United Kingdom |
| Full scholarships | Some cover tuition + €10,000 living expenses |
| Eligibility | Most are open to any nationality |
| Universities | Trinity College, UCD, UCC among the best in Europe |
The 5 best scholarships to study in Ireland in 2026
1. Government of Ireland (GOI-IES) Scholarship
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) program is the country’s most comprehensive and prestigious scholarship for international students. It is directly funded by the Irish government and administered by the Higher Education Authority. Sixty scholarships are awarded annually, distributed equally between men and women from any country outside the EU.
What sets it apart from the rest is that it is not a partial discount or symbolic aid—it covers full tuition plus a real stipend to live on for the year.
| What does it cover? | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full exemption — the host university is obligated not to charge you |
| Maintenance | €10,000 stipend for the academic year |
| Extras | Access to networking events and cultural activities |
Who is it for? Master’s and PhD students in any field, residing outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK. Perfect for Mexicans, Colombians, Argentinians, Peruvians, Chileans, and other Latin American nationalities.
Main requirements
- Letter of admission (conditional or final) from one of the 25 eligible universities
- Outstanding academic record
- Extracurricular activities: volunteering, sports, art, or civic participation
- Two letters of recommendation
It’s worth understanding how the application is scored, because your resume only accounts for 40% of the total score. The rest depends on how you present your story and your potential.
| Criterion | Punctuation |
|---|---|
| Academic record and experience | 40 points |
| Motivation to study in Ireland | 15 points |
| Participation in Irish society | 15 points |
| future personal and professional development | 15 points |
| Letters of recommendation | 15 points |
| Total | 100 points |
| Key dates 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Opening of the portal | January 29, 2026 |
| Deadline | March 12, 2026 (5:00 PM Irish time) |
| Results | Early June 2026 |
⚠️ Always check the updated dates on the official Higher Education Authority website
2. Erasmus+ in Ireland
If you’re enrolled at a Spanish university or one in any other EU member state, Erasmus+ remains one of the most accessible ways to get to Ireland. It doesn’t fully fund a degree, but it covers an exchange stay with significant financial aid and, in many cases, waives tuition fees at your destination.
| What does it cover? | Detail |
|---|---|
| Monthly help | Variable depending on country of origin and destination |
| Journey | Support for travel expenses |
| Tuition | Partial or total exemption at the host university |
Who is it for? Undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in universities in the EU or associated countries, with an intermediate-advanced level of English.
| Indicative dates | |
|---|---|
| Opening | Between October and January, depending on the university. |
| Management | Through your university’s international relations office |
⚠️ Dates vary depending on the home institution. Always check with your university and consult the official Erasmus+ program website.
3. Trinity College Dublin Scholarships
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is Ireland’s oldest university and one of the most prestigious in Europe. Its scholarship program for international students offers more than just financial relief—it includes access to a world-class academic and professional network.
| What does it cover? | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Reduction between 25% and 50% |
| Maintenance | Additional subsidy in some cases |
| Extras | Seminars, workshops and networking events for scholarship recipients |
Who is it for? International students of any nationality with outstanding academic records, admitted to undergraduate or graduate programs in the humanities, business, engineering, or sciences. Leadership and commitment to the field of study are especially valued.
Main requirements
- Trinity College Dublin Admission Offer
- Cover letter highlighting previous achievements and clear objectives
- Academic references
| Indicative dates | |
|---|---|
| Opening | End of year |
| Closing | Early next year |
⚠️ Check the exact dates on the official Trinity College Dublin website
4. UCD Global Excellence Scholarships
University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s largest university and a leading research institution in Europe. Its Global Excellence Scholarships program is designed to recognize international academic talent in any field of study.
| What does it cover? | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Partial or total exemption depending on program and level |
| Extras | Access to professional development events and international networks |
Who is it for? International students admitted to undergraduate or graduate programs at UCD, with outstanding academic records in science, technology, business, or the arts. Leadership and research experience are valued.
Main requirements
- Prior admission to a program at UCD
- Cover letter highlighting academic and professional achievements
- Documentation that proves extracurricular activities
| Indicative dates | |
|---|---|
| Opening | Autumn |
| Closing | February–March |
⚠️ Check the updated dates on the official University College Dublin website
5. University of Limerick Scholarships
The University of Limerick (UL) stands out for its close ties to industry and its focus on employability. It is perhaps the least known outside of Ireland, but its scholarships are accessible and open to a wide range of backgrounds, making it a viable option for many Latin American students.
| What does it cover? | Detail |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €1,200 applied to registration |
| Master | €2,000 applied to registration |
| General discount | Up to 50% reduction in tuition fees |
| Extras | Academic support and mentoring programs |
Who is it for? International students of any nationality admitted to UL in undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs in engineering, business, health sciences, or humanities.
Main requirements
- Letter of admission from the University of Limerick
- Solid academic record
- Letter of recommendation and personal statement
| Indicative dates | |
|---|---|
| General call | September |
| Some specific calls for proposals | May |
⚠️ Check the updated dates and conditions on the official University of Limerick website
Comparative summary: the 5 scholarships at a glance
| Scholarship | Level | Coverage | Latin Americans | Approximate deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOI-IES | Master’s/Doctorate | Registration fee + €10,000 | Yes | March |
| Erasmus+ | Undergraduate/Postgraduate | Monthly allowance + trip | If you study in Europe | Oct–Jan |
| Trinity College Dublin | Undergraduate/Postgraduate | 25–50% tuition | Yes | Beginning of the year |
| UCD Global Excellence | Undergraduate/Postgraduate | Partial or full enrollment | Yes | Feb–March |
| University of Limerick | Undergraduate/Master’s/Doctorate | Up to 50% off tuition | Yes | September |
Read Also: Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you combine several scholarships in Ireland?
In general, full scholarships cannot be combined. However, some Irish universities allow partial scholarships such as those at Trinity College or the University of Limerick to be supplemented with external funding, personal funds, or grants from your home country. It is crucial to review the specific terms and conditions of each scholarship application, as each institution has its own policy.
What level of English do scholarships for studying in Ireland require?
Most Irish universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 90 for admission to their academic programs and scholarships. Some more competitive programs, especially at the postgraduate level, may require higher scores. If you don’t already have a certificate, obtaining one is the first step before starting any application process.
What is the most comprehensive scholarship for studying in Ireland?
The most comprehensive scholarship for studying in Ireland is the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES), which covers full tuition fees at one of the 25 participating universities and provides a €10,000 stipend for living expenses during the academic year. It is open to Master’s and PhD students from any country outside the EU, and 60 scholarships are awarded annually, distributed equally between men and women.
Are scholarships to study in Ireland open to Latin Americans?
Yes, and in many cases Latin Americans have an advantage. The Irish Government scholarship is specifically designed for students from outside the EU, which includes all Latin American nationalities. University scholarships at Trinity College, UCD, and the University of Limerick are also open to international students from any country. The exception is Erasmus+, which requires prior enrollment at a European university.
